Why Is 6010 Used As The Root Welding Rod: A Deep Analyzes

There are a variety of welding rods in the market. However, each of them has an optimal usage scenario. Hence, if you are planning on buying one for root welding, you may have heard the name of the 6010 electrodes.

The 6010 welding rod can be a good option for you in case you are planning to root pass welds. However, a simple sentence from us may not satisfy your curiosity, right?

So, let us provide the arguments in favor of our statement!

Table of Contents

What is Root Welding?

The intersecting point of the root surface and the base metal surface is called the weld root. To create a rigid joint, it determines the fusion and weld penetration. The process of welding the two surfaces at the intersection is termed root welding.

What is the purpose of a root pass in welding?

Root pass is the first stage of the total welding process. It provides a solid foundation for the latter part of welding. Moreover, it helps in building up the final thickness of the weld bead.

A root pass must be cautiously executed for high weld integrity. If the root pass is not done properly, the weld bead would not last very long.

Why should you use 6010 as the root welding rod?

There are various reasons for using a 6010 as the root welding rod. For instance, it can be used to weld in all positions. Moreover, this welding rod has a deep penetration capacity.

Furthermore, it is easy to handle a 6010 welding rod. Also, the fast-freezing cellulose flux is essential for root pass welding.

How do you weld a 6010 root pass?

The process of welding a 6010 welding rod is quite simple.

Firstly, you must clean the two surfaces that need to be welded.
Then, you need to place a 3/32-inch landing.
After that, keep a gap of 3/32 inches between the plates.
Additionally, create two tacls, one on each corner.
For root pass, performing vertical up welding is pretty efficient.
Keep the current flow around 70 amperes.
Now, to do a root pass, you can use the stitching method.
Start from one end. Then, you need to go up and down and proceed.

However, keep in mind that while moving the rod downwards, you have to touch the portal.

So, the process can be simplified in the following way: stitch forward and make contact with the portal. You must not pull out the welding rod before you are finished with the root pass.

Once you have done the welding from one edge to another following the instructions above, your root pass welding will be complete.

Why should you use the E6010 electrode for a root pass and not the E7018?

First of all, the E6010 is more user-friendly than the E7018 welding rod. Also, for root pass welding, it is imperative for a welding rod to have deep penetration capacity.

However, the E7018 welding rod is only capable of shallow to medium penetration, unlike the E6010. Moreover, the E6010 welding rod has much better joint tolerances compared to the E7018 electrode. Furthermore, the E6010 welding rod produces a digging arc which an E7018 cannot produce.

But, the main reason is that the E7018 is a low hydrogen SMAW electrode. That’s why, like all the other low hydrogen SMAW electrodes, the E7018 cannot be used in root pass welds.

Hence, you can easily come to a conclusion regarding why the E6010 welding rod is better than the E7018 electrode for root pass welding.

What is the difference between root pass and hot pass?

Temperature:

A hot pass is applied on the root pass when it is cooled down. The hot pass welding is done at a higher temperature than the root pass. But, the welding rod must not be too hot.

Use:

A root pass is used to join two different metal surfaces. Whereas, a hot pass is done after the root pass. The hot pass is used to reshape the root pass if the shape is not accurate enough.

Current flow:

While conducting a hot pass, the welding rod consumes more current compared to the root pass. However, the difference between the operating current is not much.

Welding rods:

The welding rods usage can vary for these welding jobs. You can do a root pass weld with a 6010 welding rod. However, using a 7018 welding rod for root passes may not be efficient. On the other hand, you can either use a 7018 welding rod or a 6010 welding rod for a hot pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best electrode for root pass purposes?

Answer: Due to its somewhat thinner coating and special characteristics, a rutile-basic electrode performs pretty good root welding.

What is the purpose of a root weld?

Answer: The purpose of root welding is to provide a foundation for further weld jobs.

Verdict

In this article, we have tried to convey everything there is to know regarding the reasons why a 6010 welding rod is used as a root welding rod.

As mentioned in the article, due to its deep penetration capacity and usability in all positions, it is one of the best choices for root welding out there.

We hope that this article will help you in making a decision on whether to obtain a 6010 welding rod for root pass or not.